NFL 2010 Preview: La Dainian Tomlinson, New York Jets
La Dainian Tomlinson, New York Jets

New York Jets running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON will be a key addition to an offensive unit that led the NFL in rushing a season ago.

The five-time All-Star ranks among the NFL's elite, especially when it comes to scoring touchdowns. In his career, Tomlinson ranks second in rushing touchdowns (138) and third in total TDs (153).

He also holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons to begin a career with at least 10 rushing touchdowns with nine, an active streak heading into 2010.

Entering his 10th season, Tomlinson has been a model of consistency on the field and in the community. He has garnered numerous accolades, including earning AP NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2006, as well as off-the-field recognition by being named Walter Payton co-NFL Man of the Year.

"Not only is he a great player, but he's a class act," says Jets linebacker BART SCOTT. "His numbers speak for themselves, but I'm more impressed with his humility off the field. While being a great player, he's still humble, respectful and hungry. I think he respects the history of the game and what came before him. He's very aware of that. I think he'll have a place in the Hall of Fame. I'm fortunate to have him as a teammate after being harassed by him in previous years."

Last year, Tomlinson, who has 12,490 career rushing yards, passed Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM BROWN (12,312) for eighth place on the all-time rushing list and currently needs 250 yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer TONY DORSETT (12,739) for seventh place.

Brown says Tomlinson's unique ability to cut back and accelerate past defenders has allowed him to take advantage of defenses throughout his career.

"When you run him off the edge, he puts any defender at a disadvantage," says Brown. "It's almost like an option play. He can go outside and break it back without breaking stride. He makes fluid cuts. He's got great acceleration, real fine speed and you can't tackle him. He does it in such a fluid manner. Most guys have to stop or slow down."

Most Career Rushing Touchdowns

Player Seasons Rush TDs
*Active (Source: NFL)
Emmitt Smith1990-2004164
LaDainian Tomlinson2001-2009138*
Marcus Allen1982-1997123
Walter Payton1975-1987110
Jim Brown1957-1965106

 

Most Career Total Touchdowns

Player Seasons Total TDs
*Active (Source: NFL)
Jerry Rice1985-2004208
Emmitt Smith1990-2004175
LaDainian Tomlinson2001-2009153*
Randy Moss1998-2009149*
Terrell Owens1996-2009147*

 

Consecutive 10+ Rushing Touchdown Seasons

Player Years Seasons
*Active streak (Source: NFL)
LaDainian Tomlinson2001-20099*
Earl Campbell1978-19814
Eric Dickerson1983-19864
Barry Sanders1989-19913
Emmitt Smith1990-19923
Adrian Peterson2007-20093*

 

NFL All-Time Rushing Leaders

Player Seasons Rushing Yards
*Active (Source: NFL)
Emmitt Smith1518,355
Walter Payton1316,726
Barry Sanders1015,269
Curtis Martin1114,101
Jerome Bettis1313,662
Eric Dickerson1113,259
Tony Dorsett1212,739
LaDainian Tomlinson912,490*

 

La Dainian Tomlinson

La Dainian Tomlinson needs seven touchdowns to become the third player with 160 touchdowns. Tomlinson would join Jerry Rice (208) and Emmitt Smith (175) as the only players to accomplish the feat. In nine seasons, Tomlinson has scored 153 touchdowns.

Tomlinson needs 12 rushing touchdowns to become the second player with 150 rushing touchdowns.

Tomlinson has scored 138 rushing touchdowns and would join Emmitt Smith (164) as the only players to accomplish the feat.

Tomlinson has four 200-yard rushing games in his career. Tomlinson needs two 200-yard games to surpass Tiki Barber (5) and tie O.J. Simpson (6) for the most all-time.

Tomlinson needs 1,000 rushing yards to become the fifth player in NFL history with nine 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Only Emmitt Smith (11), Curtis Martin (10), Walter Payton (10) and Barry Sanders (10) have accomplished the feat.

Tomlinson needs 555 scrimmage yards to become the eighth player in NFL history with 17,000 scrimmage yards. In nine seasons, Tomlinson has 16,445 scrimmage yards

La Dainian needs 10 rushing touchdowns to extend his NFL-record streak of consecutive 10 rushing-touchdown seasons to begin a career to 10.

 

NFL FOOTBALL ARTICLES [...]

 

NFL Football Legends: La Dainian Tomlinson Closes In On More TD Records